Quick Look
- Frontier Lithium partners with Mitsubishi, shares soar by 15%.
- Mitsubishi acquires a 7.5% stake in Frontier with an option to increase to 25%.
- PAK Lithium Project in Ontario, a key focus of the joint venture.
- Rio Tinto eyes Canadian lithium amidst volatile market conditions.
- US energy storage sees a 59% increase in new battery capacity in 2023.
- The electric vehicle market adjusts to subsidy changes, influencing lithium demand.
In a bold move to advance lithium mining and processing, Frontier Lithium has announced a joint venture with Mitsubishi. This partnership aims to leverage the vast potential of Ontario’s PAK Lithium Project. Thereby spanning 27,000 hectares and housing significant spodumene-bearing lithium deposits. Shares of Frontier Lithium leapt by 15%, reaching a five-month high of C$1.06, reflecting investor optimism. Mitsubishi’s decision to buy a 7.5% stake for C$25 million, with options for further investment, underscores the strategic importance of this venture in tapping into the burgeoning lithium market.
Rio Tinto Eyes Canada Amid Lithium Surge
Amidst this, Rio Tinto has expressed a keen interest in the Canadian lithium sector. With only North American Lithium Inc. currently producing lithium in Canada, Rio Tinto’s pursuit of top-tier properties signals a growing industry appetite. This is amidst a backdrop of a volatile lithium market, where prices have seen significant fluctuations. Nonetheless, Rio Tinto is pushing forward, as evidenced by its exploration agreements with Azimut Exploration Inc. and Midland Exploration Inc., targeting lithium properties across Canada.
US Adds 6.8 GW Battery Capacity: Up 59%
The United States is witnessing a remarkable surge in energy storage installations. Therefore, about 6.8 GW of new large-scale battery capacity added in 2023. Besides, the battery field saw a 59% increase from the previous year. California, Texas, and Arizona lead in installations, with projections suggesting a steady growth trajectory. This boom is partly driven by the electric vehicle (EV) market’s expanding demand for lithium, highlighting the critical role of lithium in the transition to renewable energy sources.
EV Market Shifts Amid Subsidy Cuts
The EV market is undergoing significant shifts, with European subsidies for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) being reduced, prompting automakers to adapt. Volkswagen AG, Stellantis NV, Tesla Inc., and Ford Motor Co. have all introduced price cuts or subsidies to maintain a competitive edge. This adjustment is crucial as the EV market directly impacts lithium demand, a key component in battery production.
Lithium Mining: Facing Cuts, Eyeing Growth
The lithium mining sector encounters numerous challenges. These include production cuts and project reassessments by companies such as Core Lithium and Sayona Mining. Consequently, these adjustments underscore the complexities of satisfying the growing demand for lithium.
Nonetheless, there are initiatives addressing these challenges. For example, Li-FT Power is concentrating on advancing hard rock lithium pegmatite projects in Canada. This effort demonstrates a strong response, aiming to secure North America’s lithium supply.